Primary SchoolAges 4/5 – 12 Compulsory general primary school education. Depending on the month of their birth a child may begin primary school either at age 4 or 5. If the child is born in January or February the parents can opt to hold them back a year and let them join the next school year.
Secondary School S1 - S4 Ages 12 – 16 Compulsory secondary education, general in the first two years before specialising in 8 chosen subjects in the last two years. Pupils work towards Standard Grades which can be set at three levels: either ‘foundation,’ ‘general,’ or ‘credit.’ Pupils normally sit two exams per subject at two levels: either ‘foundation’ & ‘general’ or ‘general’ & ‘credit.’ S5 - S6Ages 17 – 18 In S5 and S6 pupils sit year long courses, typically Highers which are entrance grades for university. Pupils can also study at Intermediate 1 and 2 level (roughly equivalent to ‘general’ and ‘credit’ Grades respectively), or at Advanced Higher level. A pupil may be able to attend university after completion of S5, although most students will continue to complete additional courses in S6.
Vocational Education Ages 16 + Following compulsory secondary school students may undertake this at college or through apprenticeships with businesses.
Primary School Ages 4/5 – 12
Compulsory general primary school education. Depending on the month of their birth a child may begin primary school either at age 4 or 5. If the child is born in January or February the parents can opt to hold them back a year and let them join the next school year.
Secondary School
S1 - S4 Ages 12 – 16
Compulsory secondary education, general in the first two years before specialising in 8 chosen subjects in the last two years. Pupils work towards Standard Grades which can be set at three levels: either ‘foundation,’ ‘general,’ or ‘credit.’ Pupils normally sit two exams per subject at two levels: either ‘foundation’ & ‘general’ or ‘general’ & ‘credit.’
S5 - S6 Ages 17 – 18
In S5 and S6 pupils sit year long courses, typically Highers which are entrance grades for university. Pupils can also study at Intermediate 1 and 2 level (roughly equivalent to ‘general’ and ‘credit’ Grades respectively), or at Advanced Higher level. A pupil may be able to attend university after completion of S5, although most students will continue to complete additional courses in S6.
Vocational Education Ages 16 +
Following compulsory secondary school students may undertake this at college or through apprenticeships with businesses.